Astrology- some basic facts.

What is Astrology and what are its uses? Astrology is one of the six broad divisions of the Vedas; it is called a Vedanga. VEDAS are the total and ultimate knowledge that is available in the World. All Physical sciences, like physics, Chemistry, Astro physics, Biology, Psychology, Astronomy, Medical Sciences, Philosophies, Languages, Etymology, Grammar, Sociology, all Technologies, in short, all types of Knowledge is comprised within the Term ,”VEDAS”. It is admitted universally that the VEDAS are the OLDEST Literature available in the World and RIG VEDA is the oldest Philosophy and Book of Knowledge available to us. Thus, it becomes obvious that the philosophy and Knowledge available to man emanated from the VEDAS which can be termed as the Mother of all Knowledge. In this view of the matter, the knowledge and philosophy of Astrology has to be understood and applied in accordance with the Basic Philosophy of VEDANTA.

The two concepts of Destiny(Bhagya) and human effort(Purusharth) propounded in VEDANTA are totally applicable in the sphere of Astrology.

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It is necessary, therefore, to correctly understand and apply these concepts not only in the sphere of Astrology but also in all walks of our social and practical life. The Vedantic Dictum is,”Bhagyam phalitee sarvatra, na cha vidya na cha paurusham.”It means that it is Destiny alone that fructifies and produces all the results experienced by Man in this World and it does so ALWAYS and every where. The acquired Knowledge and other accomplishments of Man do not create the results all by themselves and at all times, nor do the efforts put in by Man create the results only by themselves and at all times. These accomplishments and efforts can and do produce results only with the aid of destiny. IF the destiny is not there no body can achieve his objectives nor can he succeed in his efforts. We see the workings of this Dictum all around us and at all times. Then what is and can be the role of the educational and other qualifications possessed by man and the efforts put forth by him in dealing with his destiny? Their role is in the making of the FUTURE DESTINY and coping with the previously acquired Destiny in the best possible manner that Man can manage. A question arises here and that is,”can man change or modify his destiny through effort now”? The answer is both yes and no. As the destiny that befalls us now is the result of our past actions i.e; the destiny has been manufactured by us we should be able to change or modify it through corrective and counter actions now. If our present actions are stronger than the previous actions we could ,perhaps , modify or even nullify our that particular destiny.This, however, does not happen in most cases, particularly in the sphere of destiny related to matters like marriage, status in life, span of Life etc; which are the result of very very powerful actions taken in the previous lives. The actions that we can manage now to counteract these powerful destinies are weaker because of the improper and inadequate understanding of these destinies and in proper time. Also, we may be lacking in the required accomplishments and resources. The result is that we have, willy nilly, to undergo the experiencing of our destinies. This correct understanding of the forces of destiny , does not prevent us from pursuing remedial action. It, in fact, additionally gives us the courage and strength to manage and lead our life purposefully for the future and to bear the present situations manfully and without the corroding worries. This understanding of the Basic Philosophy of Life is very helpful in acquiring equanimity of Mind and leading a peaceful and healthy life. When the Mind is at peace, the flow of vital energy in the body is even and unobstructed and the human body becomes capable of healing itself automatically through the exercise and strengthening of the Immune system with which Nature has gifted Man. These views and observations are based on the testimonies of the wise practitioners of the Arts of Medicine and PSHYCHOLOGY and, of course, on the afore mentioned Vedic Dicta!

The predictions and prognostications offered by the Astrologers should, therefore, be considered and utilized in the context of and in accordance with these Philosophical Concepts. Astrology cannot overrule Vedanta nor can it modify it. At best, Astrology is an attempt on the part of Astrologers to interpret the Astral phenomena within the limits of their individual competence and intelligence and even in this attempt they have to proceed only in line with the principles laid down by the VEDIC seers of Astrology. Therefore, any suggestions by way of suggesting remedies to ward off any impending bad destiny cannot lead to the total averting of the impending evil. The Destiny will take its course and Man can only make an attempt to mitigate its severity for his own satisfaction and ,in this way, he can equip himself for bearing the evil consequences in a better frame of Mind. That is a positive approach to the matter and there could be no objection to the adoption of this tactic. The best and proper thing to do, however, is to analyse the situation and make earnest and sincere efforts to avoid creating similar unfavourable situations for the future. The following of right courses of conduct , honest performance of one’s incumbent duties and living a life of goodness are the right things to do for coping with the vicissitudes of the present life and for ensuring a better life in the future.

How can Astrology help in this conduct? The seers of Astrology saw and experienced intuitively that the Sun and the Planets revolving around the Sun are very powerful sources of energy and they affect the whole atmosphere in the Nature surrounding us as also condition and affect all the fauna and flora on the earth. They also affect the very physical existence and life force of the living beings , including MAN. The physical , mental, psychological and Spiritual qualities and tendencies of MAN are also intimately affected by these Planets. Through close and long continued observation of the movements of these Planets in the cosmos those Seers formulated the various concepts, theorems and qualities attributed to these Planets and also delineated how these influence and affect Man in his worldly conduct. These concepts and philosophical formulations have stood the test of Time and are believed in and followed by Man since times immemorial.. It is the correct understanding and practical application of these guiding principles that can and does help Man in his journey through life. These concepts tell us what are our areas of weakness and strength. The wise thing to do, therefore, is that we should try to remove and get over our weaknesses and strengthen our good qualities to get the maximum benefits from the understanding and applications of this great knowledge. While doing all this, however, the ONE Basic and all Overriding Teaching of VEDANTA has always to be kept in Mind; and that is that there is THAT the only one, non dual, ultimate Power and Entity in the WORLD that has created the world, that maintains it, and into which every thing dissolves in the End. THAT Entity permeates every thing and every phenomenon in this world, controls every activity and action performed by any one in this world and is the ultimate source of all knowledge and competence possessed by every body in this World. All laws, Disciplines, Tendencies and activities are ,in the final analysis, laid down and controlled by HIM. And HE alone is the giver of all and every fruit of action. With this background knowledge and conviction Man can act properly and reap the desired fruits of those rightly performed ACTIONS. Since the MIND is always running around and is restless and unsteady it is difficult to control is and deploy it on the right path. The remedy for this is to continue controlling and deploying it on the chosen right path through persistent effort informed and guided by Dispassion. Lord Krishna advises Arjun in the GEETA,’’ABHYASEN TU KAUNTEYA, VAIRAGYEN CHA GRIHYATE.” There are many other practical tips suggested in the GEETA which may be learnt through thorough study of that scripture under the guidance of a learned and proper Teacher/Guru”.